Local News

Kankakee Community College has gratefully accepted the donation of a squad car from the village of Bradley.The 2010 Dodge Charger is being used in KCC’s Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement courses.

“Allowing students to utilize the squad car provides them a real life perspective to law enforcement,” said Bridget Bertrand-Essington, coordinator of KCC’s law enforcement programs. “A squad car is essentially a police officer’s office. Placing students into this environment during various scenarios enhances their knowledge and understanding of policing.”

Image Crafters Graphics Inc. of Bradley donated the new graphic which was added to the front doors of the car.“We are glad to donate this car to KCC,” said Bradley Mayor Bruce Adams. “Eventually the skills (students) learn while training with this car may be tapped in the form of a new hire for the Bradley Police Department or any of the other local departments.”

KCC offers two law enforcement-related programs, one is for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree and the other is to prepare students for more immediate entry into careers related to law enforcement. The college also offers a number of short-term training options for those who want to specialize their skills.

A property owner caught three people burglarizing his residence along State Road 54 in Iroquois County. As a result, two Watseka men and a Loda woman face charges of burglary, criminal damage to property and possession of stolen property.

Sheriff’s Police responded to Mike Malone’s property. Malone advised he returned to his property observing that somone had gained entry to his residence. He also noticed vehicles in a field near his property and confronted individuals he believed were responsible for the burglary and theft.

Sheriff’s deputies arrived shortly afterwards. The investigation led to the arrests. Two vehicles stolen and other items belonging to Malone were recovered.

Officials at Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services (GAHHS) recently accepted the “Rural Health Hero” award. Dr. Ben Brewer and CEO Rob Schmitt were present for the ceremonies held at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford.

RMED Director John Plescia, MD, discussed how great it was to finally meet Dr. Brewer and visit his office in Forrest, Illinois. According to Dr. Plescia, “Dr. Brewer and his office are among the top requested locations by medical students and residents in the RMED program.”

In addition, the RMED program also recognized David J. Hagan, MD, who was awarded the RMED “Distinguished Service” award for his many years of service as a mentor and preceptor for countless medical students. Dr. Hagan graduated from the Rockford medicine program before the RMED program was officially established. He continues to welcome students and residents to his office in Gibson City each year.

The purpose of the National Center for Rural Health Professions is to meet the healthcare needs of rural Illinois residents through collaborative projects involving multiple health professions while also emphasizing recruitment, retention, and healthcare delivery initiatives that will positively impact the health and well-being of both rural residents and their communities.

The RHP curriculum focuses on developing the inter-professional knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of rural health professionals. RMED students and rural pharmacy students attend RHP classes together. The Rural Pharmacy Education Program (RPHARM) seeks to prepare pharmacy students from the state of Illinois who will, after graduation, locate and practice in a rural community. {submitted info}